Bloomberg reports EU to designate Roblox and ChatGPT as VLOPs under DSA
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The European Union is poised to designate Roblox and ChatGPT as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act, Bloomberg reported, forcing the platforms to adopt stricter rules on content moderation, advertising transparency, and risk assessment. The designation would apply to services with over 45 million monthly EU users, grouping them with Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The EU Commission and the companies declined to comment.
Designation Threshold
Bloomberg reported on July 30 that the EU will add Roblox and ChatGPT to its list of VLOPs under the Digital Services Act, joining Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, and others. The DSA defines a VLOP as any platform with more than 45 million average monthly active users in the EU. Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, and ChatGPT, OpenAI's conversational AI, both exceed that threshold. The EU Commission and the companies declined to comment on the report.
New Obligations
Under the DSA, VLOPs must establish a point of contact for authorities and users, report criminal offenses, and ensure clear terms and conditions. They must also provide transparency in advertising, recommender systems, and content moderation decisions. Platforms are required to identify and mitigate systemic risks in areas including illegal content, fundamental rights, public security, gender-based violence, and protection of minors. Additional measures include annual independent audits, data sharing with authorities and vetted researchers, and offering a recommender system option not based on user profiling.
Child Protection Focus
Roblox has faced years of criticism over child safety, with a February 2026 lawsuit from Los Angeles County alleging the company created 'an unsafe environment that has become a breeding ground for predators'. The DSA's risk assessment mandate explicitly covers children's rights and mental wellbeing, potentially compelling Roblox to strengthen safeguards. OpenAI's ChatGPT also faces scrutiny under the act's provisions on fundamental rights and public security, though its user base is broader.
What's Next
The European Commission is expected to officially notify the companies soon, triggering a four-month compliance window. It remains unclear how Roblox and OpenAI will adapt their platforms or if they will challenge the designation, which could delay enforcement.
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Bloomberg reports EU to designate Roblox and ChatGPT as VLOPs under DSA
